Definition of "scatter" in English

verb

1. (ergative) To (cause to) separate and go in different directions; to disperse.

   • The crowd scattered in terror.

2. (transitive) To distribute loosely as by sprinkling.

   • Her ashes were scattered at the top of a waterfall.

3. (transitive, physics) To deflect (radiation or particles).

4. (intransitive) To occur or fall at widely spaced intervals.

5. (transitive) To frustrate, disappoint, and overthrow.

   • to scatter hopes or plans

6. (transitive) To be dispersed upon.

   • Desiccated stalks scattered the fields.

7. (transitive, baseball) Of a pitcher: to keep down the number of hits or walks.

8. (slang, US) To leave.

   • When the police showed up, I scattered.

noun

1. The act of scattering or dispersing.

2. A collection of dispersed objects.